The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is one of Europe’s largest cancer research centers. “Research for a life without cancer" is the mission of our world-class scientists and all our team members.
The DKFZ is a place where the brightest minds pursue bold ideas and seek answers to pioneering scientific questions through collaboration, innovation, and exploration across many disciplines. We provide a dynamic environment which empowers excellence with state-of-the-art technologies, cutting edge infrastructure, and a global scientific network.
Contribute your knowledge, vision, and dedication to create a space where scientific discovery in cancer research is transformed into benefits for human health.
The National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) is a long-term cooperation between the German Cancer Research Center, excellent partners in university medicine and other research institutions at six locations in Germany. The goal of the NCT is to bring promising results from cancer research into clinical application quickly and safely. This approach is intended to provide cancer patients with nationwide access to innovative treatment options.
One of the six NCT sites is the NCT Dresden (NCT/UCC), which is a collaboration between the DKFZ, the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (UCC), the Carl Gustav Carus Medical Faculty of the TU Dresden and the Helmholtz Center Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR).
For the Department of Translational Medical Oncology at the NCT site Dresden, we are seeking for the next possible date a
Bioinformatician
Reference number: 2025-0297
NCT and DKFZ have laid the groundwork to address new challenges in personalized oncology through the MASTER program. This prospective registry trial employs very comprehensive molecular profiling and integrated data analysis (WGS/WES, RNA sequencing, genome-wide DNA methylation profiling; whenever possible, mass spectrometry-based (phosphor)proteomics, ex vivo drug sensitivity profiling, and spatial resolution of the immune environment). Based on the MASTER workflow, we provide clinically relevant management recommendations in a multicenter molecular tumor board (MTB) and follow up on clinical management of patients. The resulting multidimensional clinical and molecular dataset has kick-started very successful interdisciplinary research projects (e.g., Heining et al. Cancer Discov 2018, Gröschel et al. Nat Commun 2019, Horak et al. Cancer Discov 2021, Möhrmann et al. Nat Commun 2022, Jahn et al. Ann Oncol 2022).
Your Tasks
The Department of Translational Medical Oncology investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms for cancer development, proliferation, and evolution. To strengthen our expertise in bioinformatics and machine learning, we are offering a position for a highly motivated scientist with significant experience in bioinformatics, ideally in the field of cancer research. You will be given the opportunity to develop your own research profile and standing in precision oncology and are expected to support the department’s research projects as well as write your own grant applications. The position is integrated in a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, scientists, and bioinformaticians and offers access to the MASTER dataset. As a successful applicant, you will drive your own research, analyze NGS and other high-throughput data from patient cohorts and work on the development of improved NGS data analysis algorithms and design novel applications, e.g., for the integration of different data types.
Your Profile
* Significant expertise in bioinformatics or/and life sciences, with an excellent background in NGS analysis and relevant experience in the field, ideally with a PhD
* Background knowledge in cancer genomics
* Proficiency in Bash scripting and R and experience with cloud computing (required)
* Proficiency in Python and Git (preferred)
* Ability to perform bioinformatic and statistical analyses of multi-tier molecular profiling data, including NGS and single-cell NGS, and drive the development and implementation of new technologies
* High level of self-motivation and the ability to develop and pursue research projects independently as well as in collaboration
* Excellent written and spoken English skills and strong communication skills
Applications should include a CV, cover letter, certificates, expected availability date, a complete list of publications and 2–3 references.
We Offer
* Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
* 30 days of vacation per year
* Flexible working hours
* Remuneration according to TV-L incl. company pension scheme and capital-forming benefits
* Possibility of mobile work and part-time work
* Family-friendly working environment
* Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
* Unleash your full potential: targeted offers for your personal development promote your talents
* Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
Contact:
Julia Dorok
Phone: +49 0351 458-5527
The position is initially limited to 2 years, with the possibility of prolongation.
Application Deadline: 16.12.2025
Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.
Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.
Are you interested?
Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!
We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.
Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.
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Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum | Im Neuenheimer Feld 280 | 69120 Heidelberg |
Company
About the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
The German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) is Germany’s largest biomedical research institute and a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. Over 3,200 staff members from 88 nations are dedicated to performing and driving cutting edge research for a life without cancer. Organized in more than 100 divisions and research groups, the focus of our 1,400 scientists is to unravel the causes and mechanisms of cancer development and progression, and to develop novel strategies for the diagnosis, early detection, prevention and treatment of cancer though innovative translational research.
Scientists at the DKFZ have received the most prestigious academic awards, including Prof. Harald zur Hausen, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2008 for his pioneering work on Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV),and Prof. Stefan Hell, who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research on super-resolution imaging.
The DKFZ core site is located in Heidelberg, the “ City of Science ”, which is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany with a highly international community: An estimated 56,000 of Heidelberg’s 160,000 inhabitants have an international background – many of whom are scientists or students.
Research Topics and Scientific Collaborations
The DKFZ is an international leader in a number of research areas including stem cell research, bioinformatics and systems biology, cancer genomics, neurooncology, pediatric oncology, cancer prevention, tumor immunology, virology, radiooncology and medical image analysis. The interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment at the DKFZ also results in excellent opportunities for computational and data scientists with interest in biomedical applications.
Research at the DKFZ is organized into six research programs :
On the mission for a life without cancer, the DKFZ collaborates with renowned clinical and research institutions at the local, national and international level. A key goal is to continuously strengthen translational research activities with the aim of sustainably advancing state-of-the-art clinical cancer research in Germany and thereby improving the treatment outcomes and quality of life of cancer patients. Together with University Hospital partners across Germany, the DKFZ established the National Centers for Tumor Diseases (NCT) as leading Comprehensive Cancer Centers in Germany, as well as the Hopp Childrens’ Tumor Center (KiTZ) in Heidelberg with a specific focus on pediatric oncology. Within the German Cancer Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), research institutions and university hospitals at eight partner locations collaborate with the DKFZ, the core center of the DKTK, to speed up the transfer of successful cancer research into clinical practice. Furthermore, the HI-TRON in Mainz is a cooperative effort to make full use of the potential of individualized immunotherapy.
Training Programs and Career Development
Talent management and career development are central parts of DKFZ’s mission to maintain scientific excellence. The DKFZ places strong emphasis on the international recruitment and comprehensive training of excellent scientists, specifically welcoming diverse and international backgrounds.
Dedicated programs train young scientists and clinicians and prepare them for their next career step:
The DKFZ has developed programs to support the reconciliation of family and careers at all levels and international employees are supported by the International Staff Services in the planning, preparation and realization of their stay in Heidelberg.
Innovation Management
The DKFZ builds on strong Innovation Management to foster the development of innovative preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic products for maximum societal benefit. It facilitates technology transfer through licensing and support of spin-off companies. Recent examples include iOmx Therapeutics, Apogenix and mtm laboratories. The DKFZ also has strong collaborations with industry partners, such as Bayer Healthcare, Bosch, SAP and Siemens .
Company info
Telephone
+49 (0) 6221 420
Location
Im Neuenheimer Feld 280
Heidelberg
Baden-Württemberg
D-69120
Germany